We'll be in LA this weekend for a wedding, and would like your recommendations for a casual, yet interesting place for lunch or dinner one day for us. We aren't foodies, but enjoy unusual atmospheres and non-chain restaurants. We're thinking about the Farmer's Market area, although our hotel is near LAX. Thanks for your ideas!

For something real interesting, check out Nate 'n Al's which is in Beverly Hill--in Rodeo Drive! Have the brisket.

http://www.natenal.com/

happytrails, I checked out the menu--I'm worried there won't be enough choices...heh heh...! Looks kinda like the Carnegie Deli in NYC. Yum.

If your hotel is near LAX--head down to the Redondo Pier--especially Naja's down by the boats. If the weather is nice--sit by the open windows and watch the world go by. Great Mediterranean food, and 777 beers--77 on tap!

Go up to the Getty center. The Restaurant is pricey but casual, the garden cafe still good and not expensive. And the Getty itself is a must-visit kinda place for out of towners. Definitely an unusual setting for dining, and definitely not a chain!

Since you are near LAX, I suggest heading to downtown Manhattan Beach. You can stroll around and look at the menus in the windows until you find one that strikes your fancy. There are neat little shops to browse as well.

www.downtownmanhattanbeach.com/dining.htm

For a casual lunch (Yummy burgers and apple pie), I like the very casual/ eat at the counter Apple Pan:
http://www.fodors.com/miniguides/mgr...erty_id=361262

Moondogie,

Nate 'n Al's is the most retro place imaginable. A real trip.

Did you check the wine prices on the menu? The wine isn't great, but the prices are very 1979.

The brisket, I suggested, comes with cole slaw, potato pancake, vegetables, and kasha varnishkas ($14.25).

An authentic joint of the first order. We ate there three times on our last visit to LA. There is nothing like it in Seattle.

Happy Trains to You

You can get some authenic atmosphere without schlepping to Beverly Hills. Visit little downtown El Segundo.
Second City Bistro:

http://www.secondcitybistro.com/menu...enu_dinner.pdf

For some tiki atmosphere: Purple Orchid, 221 Richmond Street

Burgers and beer: Richmond Bar and Grill

145 Richmond

A hearty second on mlgb's great El Segundo recommendation (hi, mlgb!).

If you feel like venturing to Santa Monica, there's a fun pan-Asian place on the Third Street Promenade called Monsoon. The food is good, the service is friendly but leisurely (no bum's rush to get you out), and the atmosphere is tiki to the max. It's like a Trader Vic's exploded in their main dining room....

The word "casual" always throws me here-- just about EVERY restaurant in California is casual. Interesting? Lots of options.

In Hollywood, Opus, by the Wiltern, is the new Foodie Hot Spot; they're on their third executive chef, but all three have been wonderful, and this last one has a very adventurous fusion menu in place. And it's not TOO pricey.